Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Epiphany singing in Central Brabant

Epiphany singing in Central Brabant is a centuries-old tradition, especially around Tilburg, where children go door to door on January 6, dressed as the three kings (Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar), to sing songs and collect sweets or money. 
The tradition, rooted in the Biblical story of the three wise men, marks the end of Christmas and has been a children's festival since the Middle Ages. 
In Tilburg, it was revived in 1937 with singing competitions before a jury, which promoted its survival. Nowadays, the emphasis is on solidarity, with collections for charities and activities such as parades and baking king's bread with a bean. 
It has been recognized as intangible heritage by UNESCO since 2012, but is under pressure due to secularization.








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